The aim of this work was to evaluate the hematological changes induced by Tityus serrulatus venom (TsV). Blood of Wistar rats was collected 0.5, 2, 6 and 24 h after i.p. injection of TsV (0.5 mg/kg) or saline (controls). Two additional groups were injected with 0.67 mg/kg and 0.25 mg/kg of TsV and the blood was collected after 0.5 and 2 h, respectively. The results showed an increase on hematocrit (Ht), red blood cells (RBC) count, hemoglobin concentration (Hb), albumin and total protein, mainly 2-6 h after envenoming. Increase in serum activities of amylase, creatine kinase and aspartate aminotransferase were also observed, indicating tecidual damages. Hyperglycemia was observed at all times analyzed, as a consequence of catecholamine release. No significant changes were detected in the urea, [Na(+)] and [Ca(2+)], but an increase of [Mg(2+)], [K(+)] and conductivity was observed. TsV induced a reduction of erythrocytes osmotic fragility as consequence of dehydration and increase in plasma electrolytes concentration, as evidenced by its higher conductivity. This study demonstrated that TsV is able to induce severe hematological changes, that appear within the first hours after envenoming, justifying the seeking of medical attention as soon as possible to avoid worsening of clinical symptoms.

BackgroundThe skin secretions of toads of the family Bufonidae contain biogenic amines, alkaloids, steroids (bufotoxins), bufodienolides (bufogenin), peptides and proteins. The poison of Rhinella schneideri, formerly classified as Bufo paracnemis, presents components that act on different biological systems, including the complement system. The aim of this study was to isolate and examine the activity of Rhinella schneideri poison (RsP) components on the complement system.MethodsThe components active on the complement system were purified in three chromatographic steps, using a combination of cation-exchange, anion-exchange and gel filtration chromatography. The resulting fractions were analyzed by SDS-PAGE and screened for their activity in the hemolytic assay of the classical/lectin complement pathways. Fractions active on the complement system were also assessed for their ability to generate C3 fragments evaluated by two dimensional immunoelectrophoresis assay, C3a and C5a by neutrophil chemotaxis assay and SC5b-9 complex by ELISA assay.ResultsThe fractionation protocol was able to isolate the component S5 from the RsP, as demonstrated by SDS-PAGE and the RP-FPLC profile. S5 is a protein of about 6000 Da, while S2 presents components of higher molecular mass (40,000 to 50,000 Da). Fractions S2 and S5 attenuated the hemolytic activity of the classical/lectin pathways after preincubation with normal human serum. Both components stimulated complement-dependent neutrophil chemotaxis and the production of C3 fragments, as shown by two-dimensional immunoelectrophoresis. S2 showed a higher capacity to generate the SC5b-9 complex than the other fractions. This action was observed after the exposure of normal human serum to the fractions.ConclusionsThis is the first study to examine the activity of RsP components on the complement system. Fractions S2 and S5 reduced the complement hemolytic activity, stimulated complement-dependent neutrophil chemotaxis and stimulated the production of C3 fragments, indicating that they were able to activate the complement cascade. Furthermore, fraction S2 was also able to generate the SC5b-9 complex. These components may be useful tools for studying dysfunction of the complement cascade.

BackgroundIn the Atlantic forest of the North and Northeast regions of Brazil, local population often uses the fruit juice and the aqueous extract of leaves of soursop (Annona muricata L.) to treat Lachesis muta rhombeata envenomation. Envenomation is a relevant health issue in these areas, especially due to its severity and because the production and distribution of antivenom is limited in these regions. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relevance of the use of soursop leaf extract and its juice against envenomation by Lachesis muta rhombeata.MethodsWe evaluated the biochemical, hematological and hemostatic parameters, the blood pressure, the inflammation process and the lethality induced by Lachesis muta rhombeata snake venom. We also assessed the action of the aqueous extract of leaves (AmL) and juice (AmJ) from A. muricata on the animal organism injected with L. m. rhombeata venom (LmrV) in the laboratory environment.ResultsLmrV induced a decrease of total protein, albumin and glucose; and increase of creatine kinase, aspartate aminotransferase, and urea concentrations. It provoked hemoconcentration followed by reduction of hematocrit, an increase in prothrombin time and partial thromboplastin time and a decrease of the blood pressure. LmrV induced the release of interleukin-6, an increase in neutrophils and changes in the serum protein profile, characteristic of the acute inflammatory process. LD50 values were similar for the groups injected with LmrV and treated or untreated with AmJ and AmL. Both treatments play a role on the maintenance of blood glucose, urea and coagulation parameters and exert a protective action against the myotoxicity. However, they seem to worsen the hypotension caused by LmrV.ConclusionThe treatments with AmJ and AmL present some beneficial actions, but they might intensify some effects of the venom. Therefore, additional studies on A. muricata are necessary to enable its use as natural antivenom for bushmaster snakebite.

Em primeiro lugar, à minha mãe Suely, pelo suporte emocional, incentivo, entusiasmo, e principalmente por me acolher com amor incondicional nas minhas falhas e limitações. Ao meu pai, pelo amor, carinho e por ter me dado a oportunidade de vir a esse mundo com uma família tão incrível. Aos meus irmãos, por serem homens e mulheres honrados e que são motivo de orgulho para mim. À minha família, em especial à minha tia Cristiane e tio Marquinhos, e tia Dase, por terem me recebido com tanto carinho em suas casinhas. Às minhas irmãs de coração Joicy, Stéphanny e Sophia, por terem um abraço amigo para me dar nos momentos de dificuldades, e por compartilhar os momentos de alegria. Ao Professor Mauricio, pela coragem de assumir este desafio e por me dar a oportunidade de voltar à Universidade de São Paulo, da qual me orgulho de ter feito parte como graduanda, funcionária, e agora como mestranda. Ao professor Boniek Gontijo Vaz, da Universidade Federal de Goiás, pela disposição em me receber em seu laboratório e pela confiança depositada em mim. Aos colegas da USP: Alexandre, Ana, Anax, Flávia, Gabi, Idylla, Jefferson, Kátia, Menck, Sarah, Tiago pela ajuda com minhas dúvidas e dificuldades na adaptação à vida de mestranda. Aos colegas da UFG, em especial à Verônica Vale e à Thays Colletes, pelos ensinamentos transmitidos e pela recepção calorosa. À grande amiga Iolana Campestrini, por ter me ensinado tanto, sempre com muita competência, boa vontade e paciência. Esse trabalho não teria sido possível sem você. À Beatriz, ao Ângelo e todos os demais funcionários, e especialmente à Samantha, pela paciência de tirar as mesmas dúvidas por muitas vezes. Às grandes amigas que me acolheram com tanto carinho em São Paulo e em suas vidas, Maita, Elisa e Yeimy, pessoas incríveis que ampliaram meus horizontes culturais, humanos e até mesmo filosóficos com nossas conversas animadas no fim do dia. À Superintendente Dra. Rejane Barcelos, por ter me dado um voto de confiança de que minha ausência valeria a pena para o engrandecimento da Instituição. Aos amigos da SPTC-GO, em especial à Thatianne, ao Antônio Carlos e ao Rafael, pela fidelidade, amizade e carinho. Aos demais colegas da SPTC, em especial aos das Seções de Toxicologia e de Balística, seres humanos incríveis que fazem valer a pena cada dia de trabalho. Às amigas do coração Eliz, Fran, Fany e Lika, por compreenderem minhas ausências, pelas palavras de incentivo e pelo carinho que têm por mim. Apoio financeiro CAPES-Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior Edital Pró-Forenses, AUXPE 3419/2014 RESUMO LEITE, F. P. Determinação de club drugs em sangue total por cromatografia líquida acoplada a espectrometria de massas com analisador híbrido quadrupolo-tempo de voo (LC-QTOF). 2018. 73f. Dissertação (mestrado)-Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas,